WOLVERINES SURVIVE LULL

Westview played the first 40 minutes of its section boys volleyball final at Cathedral Catholic High on Saturday as if the team had a late-afternoon flight to catch. And the tickets were nonrefundable.

The Wolverines won the first two games against La Costa Canyon 25-16, 25-21 and were leading the third game 22-17 when — poof — the Mavericks rallied to win 26-24. That momentum continued when LCC took a 21-18 lead in Game 4 — only to have the senior-laden Wolverines regain their focus to claim a 25-23 win and repeat as Division II champions. Westview (34-2), ranked No. 4 nationally, is undefeated against San Diego Section teams.

“Uncharacteristic mistakes and lack of enthusiasm. We needed to get back to what we do best. And focus all the way through on each point,” said Westview coach Steve McLaughlin, who counseled his team during a timeout after six straight LCC points made it 21-18.

On this occasion, reigning Division II Player of the Year/outside hitter Bennett Bird (21 kills) and 6-foot-9 middle blocker Christian Ward (22 kills) handled the bulk of Westview’s power game.

“Can’t complain because we were back on our heels, yet didn’t give up,” said LCC coach Mark Brubaker. “Westview’s a hard team to come back against.”